HOMERS ODYSSEY – YB GRAND NATIONAL
Irish YB Grand National hard test – One arrival in Mid Antrim
With the Dale Nat delayed for one week due to weather problems result was that both the cross channel races would be flown in the same day, Grand Nat Penzance for the Irish National Flying Club and then the Premier NIPA YB Nat from Dale in South Wales. Both races ended up being won by Danny Dixon of from Dunloy in County Antrim, ace racer in the Mid Antrim Area. The YB Blue Riband race is looked forward to by many local lofts, County Antrim including Mid Antrim have been overall winners on numerous occasions.
Mid Antrim Combine - INFC Rosudgeon Young Bird National
Danny Dixon Of Dunloy Clocks Only Bird In Mid Antrim Combine from Tough Young Bird National
Danny Dixon had the only bird in Mid Antrim, former winner.
The Irish National Flying Club held their channel National from Rosudgeon in west Cornwall on Saturday 5th September. Liberation took place at 8.00am in light north westerly winds and a very tough race followed.
No day birds were recorded in the Mid Antrim Combine at the close of the first day. Early next morning the first and only arrival was timed in the Combine at 07.24am by 4 x 1st Open National winner Danny Dixon of Dunloy. Danny has one of the best records at this distance in the north and south of Ireland. Danny has won 1st Open in this race twice before, in 2010 with 'Dixie Chick' and in 2024 with 'Venus' and only last season the loft won 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th & 7th Open in another tough Rosudgeon YB National flying 340 miles. The winning blue pied hen finished 32nd Open National and was the furthest flying bird clocked in the result. She is bred from an inbred Verschelde cock when paired to a half-sister of Dixie Chick. The hen is also a half-sister to Danny's good Wildie cock 'Baldy', Bobby Coyle's pencil cock 'The Boss', Ryan Barr’s North Coast Classic winner winning £12,000 and also half-sister to the sire of J McDowells & Sons Talbenny Young Bird National winner.
The Verschelde cock breeding can be traced back 37 years in Danny's loft when he acquired them from Alan Darragh and the late Roy Rock who purchased originals while on Belgium loft visits. Danny's other two National wins were 1st Open NIPA Rosscarbery YB National in 1996 and 1st Open INFC Skibbereen YB National in 1998. Mervyn Eagleson Press Officer MAC.
Mid Antrim Combine Rosudgeon National - 1st Danny Dixon Rasharkin 739.
As usual this report will include info and results across Ireland including Clubs, Feds and Combines.
INFC Penzance (Rosudgeon) Youngbird National report
1st North Section 1st Open is McClean & Craig of Edgarstown, Tommy is a previous INFC National Champion a Triple Crown winner and a Friendship National winner. The bird the partnership timed was a pencil blue w/f hen a darkness young bird flown on roundabout she was their most consistent racer all year. The National winner was bred by Rodney Irvine from Rathcoole who races with the Doagh club and gifted to the partnership. The sire was a grizzle stock cock a full brother to Grizzly Bear purchased from Adam Weatherall bloodlines off Opal 13 Lambrecht & Daughter 602 Vanderbrande, the dam was a blue stock hen her sire is a son of Young Chester nest brother to Premier Studs Manchester and the dam is the old inbred Sagan hen dam and grand dam of many top pigeons in the NIPA and Ulster Federation.
1st Open McClean & Craig from Edgarstown & The winner for McClean & Craig, Tommy wins race for second time. The 2026 winner Wee Gem was bred by Rodney Irvine of Doagh & District.
2nd Open is Tony Rodgers, Larne & District, with a Red cock. Originally from the Larne area Tony moved to Canada for a few years where he also raced. Tony returned four years ago and started up racing again and has had a great young bird season. He flew all 7 races leading up to the National and was very consistent, two weeks before he was 6th club Larne from Corrin 218 miles the next week he was 1st club Larne from Bennamore 155 miles before going to Penzance 331 miles and finishing 2nd Open. On the same day his full sister finished 1st club 11th Open from Dale 222 miles. His sire is from Adrian Mirabelle in Belgium and his Dam was a gift hen from Davy Calvin. He was on the darkening system for 8 weeks and was flying to the perch. Tony would like to thank Adrian Mirabelle and Davy Calvin for supplying the parents and everyone that congratulated him after the race. He also sends thanks to the INFC for organising a great race.
2nd Open T Rodgers Larne 1st East Antrim
3rd Open is Arnold Thompson, Ballyclare with a blue cock. Arnold needs no introduction and is one of the top lofts in the INFC a previous National Champion he is also a Harkness Rosebowl winner plus many other accolades. He had four inland races and was sent sitting 12 day eggs paired to an old hen. His nest mate was timed the second day at 11:45 finishing 40th Open. The sire is a blue cock, son of 10th King’s Cup. This cock is ten years old and is also sire of 10th King’s Cup 2024. The dam is an ash hen. This hen was 33rd King’s Cup 2024 flying 16 ½ hours “Sue” was 4th King’s Cup 2025 helping Arnold to win the Harkness rose bowl.
3rd Open A Thompson Ballyclare & District HPS
4th Open is McCracken Bros, Banbridge. Robert has had a tremendous season and is never far away. This cock is based on Jeff Greenaway’s line that came from Mark Gilbert, these pigeons have been very successful for him. The cock was a darkness young bird and was in every race except Dale.
4th Open McCracken Bros Banbridge
5th Open was Jeff Greenaway. Jeff being one of the top racers in Northern Ireland. The sire was bred by Mark Gilbert and is a half-brother to 2nd Section 2nd Open BBC Barcelona and is a grandson of “Romee” containing all “Jelle Jellema” lines. The dam is from Jan Polder.
5th Open bird Jeff Greenaway Hills & Maze
6th Open is D. & J. Campbell, Doagh & District, with a Blue Cock. Again another top loft, their two birds win the De-Scheemaecker trophy for the best two bird average and they also win the Harkers trophy for the best average Sennen Cove yearling National and Rosudgeon young bird national. This cock had three races before Penzance, Cloughmartin, Fermoy and Corrin. He is off their old lines of pigeons “The Rook” and “006”. His sire flew the INFC Sennen Cove Yearling National as did the dam, who as a young bird was 6th Open Dale YB National. Their second bird was 12th Open and was raced the same way as their first and was sent sitting 14 day eggs. Her sire and dam are stock pigeons from Glen McNeilly, Ballyclare and is a half-sister to the yearling cock that was 6th Open in this year’s Sennen Cove.
6th Open was won by D & J Campbell of Doagh & District
7th Open is Matthew Russell, Dromara. Matty is a very competitive racer and has had a fantastic season. The pigeon is a blue hen called "Tootsie" and was a darkness youngster who flew the whole program and was sent to the race feeding a 20 day old youngster. She was bred by Gregory McEvoy, Beechpark. On both sides, the sire half is Rutzs x Steve Lester and the dam’s Rutz x Paddy Murray, Dundrum. The two Rutzs pigeons are brother and sister.
7th Open bird Matthew Russell
8th Open is Ciaran McManus, Crossgar. The bird had five inland races before going to the National driving to nest. The sire is a grandson of Phillip McCullough’s Hall of Fame winner and George McIntosh’s Hall of Fame winner. The dam is a Herman Custer originally bred by Jason Whitten & Son.
8th Open C McManus
9th Open is Robert Shaw Corrigs. This small hen had four races before this result. She is from a chequer hen of the late Jackson bros with the help of Paul Dunlop and the sire is a son of S. Brown & Son Miller Gold hen. Robert would like to thank both fanciers for their help and encouragement. He centres his young bird season on this race and clocked a second pigeon on the second day, returning home injured. She was also a small chequer hen of Paul Woolis / Jackson Bros bloodlines. Robert would also like to congratulate all fanciers who clocked on this hard race especially to his fellow club mates SA Foster and C McManus.
9th Open Robert Shaw
1st South Section & 10th Open is P & J Jones of Skerries Club & E.C.F. Paul's pigeon is a blue hen from his old Hartog strain. She also flew Mallow the following week where she was 19th Open in the E.C.F. She paired up to a blue cock and he was 5th National in the I.N.F.C. young bird Skibbereen National. Paul mentioned his good friend Tommie Spears who has been very successful in Channel racing over the years. Paul was also 4th South Section & 27th National in this race. Mandy, Paul's wife, is a great help around the loft and has contributed greatly to the loft's success. Congratulations to Paul & Mandy on clocking 2 birds in this tough Penzance National.
10th Open 1st south section P & J Jones
2nd South Section & 19th Open is P. Carson Son & Daughter from Skerries Club and E.C.F. His pigeon a black pied hen, sire is from Sean Thurlow U.K., and the dam is off his own Stichelbaut family. Paul feeds protein mixture early in the week, and racing mixture from Thursday onwards, with fats added before racing. Training is 18 miles twice per week. Paul receives help from both his son & daughter who are very interested in the pigeon sport. Congratulations to Paul, Aaron & Megan.
19th Open 2nd south section P Carson Son & Daughter
3rd South Section 23rd Open is Divine & Hilmi from Skerries club & ECF. The pigeon is a dark check cock that was bred from stock they obtained from Tom Marshall. Their second bird was 6th South Section, 34th Open a dark check hen, bred from stock obtained from John Halestead UK. Their young birds are all on the darkness system and are fed on Gerry Plus. They all fly to the perch. Congratulations to Derek & Khalid on clocking 2 birds in the toughest Channel young bird race of the season. Also great flying by the boys in the Skerries Club coming in the first three of the South Section and all who clocked in this great race.
23rd Open 3rd south section Devine & Helm
Dinner and Presentation - Just a note to everyone wishing to attend, the annual prize giving dinner at The Stormont Hotel on December 4th with tickets at £35. For those planning to stay overnight double rooms are £140 and singles £120. Either contact Ronnie Johnston on 02890483625 or email
Press Officers Kevin Anderson and David Black.
INFC Young Bird Grand National – RESULTS
Irish National Flying Club. Penzance (Rosudgeon) YB National. Race sponsored by Home Farm Supplies. FLOWN ON SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2026 LIBERATED AT 08:00 WIND LIGHT NORTH WESTERLY 109 MEMBERS ENTERED 754 PIGEONS. NORTH SECTION 93 MEMBERS 662 PIGEONS SOUTH SECTION 16 MEMBERS 92 PIGEONS. Total Pools & Prize-money £5,892.62.
INFC YB Grand National Rosudgeon Open 109/754 - McClean & Craig Edgarstown 1200, T Rodgers Larne & District 1114, A Thompson Ballyclare & Dist. 1104, McCracken Bros Banbridge 1089, Jeff Greenaway Hills & Maze 1069, D & J Campbell Doagh & Dist. 1040, Matthew Russell Dromara 1026, C McManus Crossgar 1000, Robert Shaw Corrigs 996, P & J Jones Skerries 974, Paddy Byrne Crossgar 967, D & J Campbell 946, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 904, John Greenaway Bondhill 894, Mark Maguire & Son Millvale 889, Ron Williamson Bondhill 885, G Quinn Coalisland & Dist. 878, G Quinn 877, P Carson Son & DUGHTER Skerries 846, A McAteer Ballyholland 844, B McAvoy Drumnavaddy 802, R Benson Derriaghy 801, Devine & Milmi Skerries 796, Wen Jian Zhang Banbridge 793, N Black & Son Dromara 793, R Topping & Son Lisburn & Dist. 785,P & J Jones 780, P Rock & Son Dublin North-east 778, A & R Neill Edgarstown 752, J & E Calvin Annaghmore 744, McCracken Bros 742, D Dixon Ballymoney 739, J Murtagh Ballyholland 718,Devine & Hilmi 706, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist. 682, A & Lewis 633, D Scott Glenavy & Dist. 627, S & A Foster Corrigs 608, John Greenaway 593, A Thompson 529, T Mooney & Son Millvale 517, John Trimble & Grandson Annalong 516, B & P Emmett Boyne Valley 510, Joe McGreevy Crossgar 503, Donelly Bros Newry City 498, Dillon & Morrow Gilford & Dist. 485, Mr & Mrs S McAllister Dromara 466, Wen Jian Zhang 434, Sean MLoughlin Crossgar 429, W Chambers Newry & Dist. 426, Robert Shaw 395, C McManus Corrig 366.
INFC North Section Rosudgeon YB Grand Nat 93/662 – McClean & Craig Edgarstown 1200, T Rodgers Larne & Dist. 1114, A Thompson Ballyclare & Dist. 1104, McCracken Bros Banbridge 1089, Jeff Greenaway Hills & Maze 1069, D & J Campbell Doagh & Dist. 1040, Matthew Russell Dromara 1026, C McManus Crossgar 1000, Robert Shaw Corrigs 996, Paddy Byrne Crossgar 967, D & J Campbell 946, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 904, John Greenaway Bondhill 894, Mark Maguire & Son Millval 889, Ron Williamson Bondhill 885, G Quinn Coalisland & Dist. 878, G Quinn 877, A McAteer Ballyholland 844, B McAvoy Drumnavaddy 802, R Benson Derriaghy 801, Wen Jian Zhang Banbridge 793, N Black & Son Dromara 793, R Topping & Son Lisburn & Dist. 785, A & R Neill Edgarstown 752, J & E Calvin Annaghmore 744, McCracken Bros 742, D Dixon Ballymoney 739, J Murtagh Ballyholland 718,A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist. 682, A & Lewis 633, D Scott Glenavy & Dist. 627, S & A Foster Corrigs 608, JHN Greenaway 593, A Thompson 529, T Mooney & Son Millvale 517, John Trimble & Grandson Annalong 516, Joe McGreevy Crossgar 503, Donelly Bros Newry City 498, Dillon & Morrow Gilford & Dist. 485, Mr & Mrs S McAllister Dromara 466, Wen Jian Zhang 434, Sean MLoughlin Crossgar 429, W Chambers Newry & Dist. 426, Robert Shaw 395, C McManus Corrig 366.
Former winner Mark Maguire 1st Newry & District.
INFC South Section Rosudgeon YB Grand Nat 16/92 – P & J Jones Skerries 974, P Carson & Daughter Skerries 846, Devine & Hilmi Skerries 796, P & J Jones 780, P Rock & Son Dublin North-east 778, Devine & Hilmi Skerries 682,B & P Emmett BYNE Valley 510.
(NIPA) Rosudgeon YB Grand Nat – McClean & Craig Edgarstown 1200, T Rodgers Larne & Dist. 1114, A Thompson Ballyclare & Dist. 1104, McCracken Bros Banbridge 1089, Jeff Greenaway Hills & Maze 1069, D & J Campbell Doagh & Dist. 1040, Matthew Russell Dromara 1026, C McManus Crossgar 1000, Robert Shaw Corrigs 996, Paddy Byrne Crossgar 967, D & J Campbell 946, John Greenaway Bondhill 894, Mark Maguire & Son Millval 889, Ron Williamson Bondhill 885, G Quinn Coalisland & Dist. 878, G Quinn 877, A McAteer Ballyholland 844, B McAvoy Drumnavaddy 802, R Benson Derriaghy 801, Wen Jian Zhang Banbridge 793, N Black & Son Dromara 793, R Topping & Son Lisburn & Dist. 785, A & R Neill Edgarstown 752, J & E Calvin Annaghmore 744, McCracken Bros 742, D Dixon Ballymoney 739, J Murtagh Ballyholland 718,A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist. 682, A & Lewis 633, D Scott Glenavy & Dist. 627, S & A Foster Corrigs 608, JHN Greenaway 593, A Thompson 529, T Mooney & Son Millvale 517, Donelly Bros Newry City 498, Dillon & Morrow Gilford & Dist. 485, Mr & Mrs S McAllister Dromara 466, Wen Jian Zhang 434, Sean MLoughlin Crossgar 429, W Chambers Newry & Dist. 426, Robert Shaw 395, C McManus Corrig 366.
East Coast Federation (Dublin) Rosudgeon YB Grand Nat – P & J Jones Skerries 974, P Carson & Daughter Skerries 846, Devine & Hilmi Skerries 796, P & J Jones 780, Devine & Hilmi Skerries 682, B & P Emmett Boyne Valley 510.
INCC Clubs YB Grand Nat Rosudgeon
Edgarstown – McClean & Craig 1200, A & R Neill 752,
Lane & District – T Rodgers 1114.
Ballyclare & District – Arnold Thompson 1104, 529.
Banbridge – McCracken Bros 1089, Wen Jian Zhang 793, McCracken Bros 742, Wen Jian Zhang 434.
Hillsborough & Maze – J Greenaway 1069.
Doagh & District – D & J Campbell 1040, 946, A & N Lewis 682, 633.
Dromara – M Russell 1026, N Black & Son 793, M/M S Mcallister 466.
Crossgar HPS – C McManus 1000, J McGreevy 503, S McLoughlin 429.
Corrigs – Robert Shaw 996, Paddy Byrne 967, S & A Foster 608, R Shaw 395, C McManus 36.
Skerries – P & J Jones 974, P Carson Son & Daughter 846, Devine & Kilni 796,P & J Jones 780, Devine & Hilmi 706,
Newtownbreda – Tom Marshall & Son 904.
Bondhill Social – John Greenaway 804, Ron Williamson 885, John Greenaway 593.
Millvale – Mark Maguire & Son 889, T Mooney & Son 517.
Coalisland & District – G Quinn 878, 877.
Ballyholland – A McAteer 844, J Murtagh 718,
Drumnavaddy Inv – B McAvoy 802,
Derriaghy – R Benson 801.
Lisburn & District – R Topping & Son 785.
Dublin North-east – P Rock & Son 778.
Annaghmore – J & E Calvin 744.
Ballynoney HPS – D Dixon 739.
Glenavy & District – D Scott 627.
Annalong – John Trimble & Grandson 516.
Boyne Valley – B & P Emmett 510.
Newry City Inv – Donnelly Bros 498.
Gilford & district – Dillon & Morrow 485.
Newry & District – W Chambers 426.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw>
Email:
www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
